Real-time digital image of underlying vasculature as seen on the surface of the skin with VeinViewer.

Patients can rest a little easier about needle sticks thanks to the latest technology at Mission Regional Medical Center. The VeinViewer uses harmless near-infrared light to see veins through your skin.

This breakthrough technology makes needle sticks for blood drawings and starting IVs easier than ever and less painful especially for patients that have small and hard to find veins. Mission Regional Medical Center is the first and only hospital with this new technology in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Quality Patient Care, and service excellence have always been a priority at Mission Regional Medical Center,” said Javier Iruegas, CEO, Mission Regional Medical Center. “We see the integration of this technology as a quality medical benefit and a stress reducer for our patients, staff, and hospital. With VeinViewer, our staff are able to approach an IV and Blood Draw with a more focused approach, which reduces the number of sticks, thus enhancing quality care and reducing patients stress and pain. That’s what we want for our patients.”

Although performed frequently, venipuncture is commonly thought of as one of the most painful and anxiety-provoking invasive procedures performed by nurses and phlebotomists. Experts estimate that more than 1 billion venipunctures are performed annually; however, many first attempts can prove unsuccessful.

“We are elated to have access to this cutting-edge technology for the purpose of improving vascular access,” said Cheryl Nail, Chief Nursing Officer, Mission Regional Medical Center. “Simply put, improving the experience for patients and making them more comfortable is a top priority.”